“I’msupposed to be the one to ask you to be my wife.Iwant to be the one to shelter you from the storm and dance in the moonlight. You’re my everything Cathia Villalobos and you own me, mind, body and soul. Now, I don’t have it just yet because I didn’t know that I’d need one so soon but…” With my hands still in his, he drops to one knee and tears blind my vision. He takes his ring in my hand and works to free it from the rope. “Will you make my life complete and say yes to being my cowgirl?”
The air in my lungs is sucked out when he holds up the rope tied into a knot. My hands are trembling and tears stream down my face. From heartbreak to bliss, a smile spreads wide and bright across my face. With the words stuck in my throat beneath emotion, I nod my head and my hat slides off. With joy on his face that doesn’t compare to anything I’ve ever seen before, he slides the scratchy rope on my finger and I stare at it like it’s the rarest diamond.
He jumps to his feet and lifts me into his arms, our lips reuniting after weeks of loneliness. Tingles spread throughout my body full of happiness and relief. The barn doors fly open, banging on the track, and cheers pour in.
Squeals, claps and cheers bombard us when all of our friends and family come storming in. Everyone is here. All but Bishop. My heart hurts not having him with us, but I decide to push that away and soak up the joy that can only exist in this moment.
We’re torn away from one another as hugs and kisses are passed out. Cami cries, Viv bounces on her toes with glee, CeCe encompasses me in a warm hug, and my parents' emotions flow overboard. They were all shocked when I admitted to them what I’ve been hiding, and were blown away when I told them my plan. I’m sure they’ll be shocked to hear that it wasn’t me asking the question.
“Now you’re gonna be myrealaunt,” Dagen cheers from where she sits in Hayes’ arms, hugging him tight around his neck.
She holds out her arm, motioning me to join them, and she squeezes us both tight.
“We were peeking through the door the entire time,” Vaughan informs us and wraps his arms around all three of us. Cami joins him and is soon followed by everyone.
“Okay. I can’t breathe, y’all.” Dagen’s muffled voice calls out from our giant ball of love.
We laugh and separate and Hayes sets her on her feet, and tugs me to him.
“You can’t get married before us,” Viv shouts.
“Viv. You’re getting married in three months. I don’t think that will be possible.” I assure her that the spotlight will be all hers for the next several months.
“Oh it’s possible darlin’. I’ll haul your cute butt down to city hall right now. Or hell,” Hayes looks over his shoulder and says, “Luca. Mind if we borrow your plane to jet us off to Vegas so we can get hitched?”
“Ooooh, no. Cool your horses, cowboy. You’ll just have to wait your turn.” Viv scowls at him and wags her finger.
“Calm down, Peaches. He’s just joking. No need to get your panties in a ruffle.” Phoenix wraps his arm around her little waist and glues her body to his.
“I would if I was wearing any,” she replies, and we all groan.
“Thanks for the TMI, Red.” Vaughan covers his ears with his hand and closes his eyes.
“Let’s give these two some alone time. Andiamo.” Luca ushers everyone out of the barn and the door creeks as they close us inside.
With my hand still in Hayes’, he pulls me towards the little tree. The song has been playing on repeat this entire time, and as it starts over when he begins to sway. The music serenades us and we glide over the dusty ground.
“I’ve never been happier in my entire life. Thank you for being the one to make all of my dreams come true.” He lays a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.
I smile, the tears starting to dry. “Was it always me in your dreams?”
“Always.” He spins me out and rolls me back in, my back to his chest, and I look over my shoulder. “It was only a matter of time.”
“Sorry it took me so long to get here.”
“I knew to be patient because it was bound to happen.” He winks and my heart flutters in the way only he can make it.
Under the Christmas lights in the place where he finds peace, the Jolly Rancher wrangled himself a girl.
EPILOGUE
The whistles and cheers fill the coliseum, everyone waiting in anticipation. My legs bounce with nervousness and I chew on my bottom lip.
“Stop. He’s going to do great.” Cami lays a calming hand on my thigh and I clamp both of mine over hers.
“I know. It’s still nerve-wracking. I don’t think it ever gets easier.” Vaughan throws his arm over my shoulder as he balances little Sloane on his lap.
My little nephew is one year old and he’s the cutest little boy in the world. Cami, just like I knew she would be, is the best mother. Vaughan is proud and cries a little when he thinks about the life he and Cami created. And Dagen is the most amazing big sister. I thought that a fourteen year old would be too busy with her social life and meeting boys to have time for her drooly little brother. But that girl will drop the world just to be with him. She’s always wanted a sibling and Sloane has made her big sister heart swell with joy. She’s already asking them for a little sister. Vaughan is on board, but Cami said she needs a little more time.
